murderous broody hen?????

[ShouldabeenaVET]

Last night I went out to check my broody hen. She has 6 eggs under her. There was an egg out of the nest (not unusual, I think Moms know and push the bad ones out) But when I looked at it it seemed healthy and almost ready to hatch. But dead! I tossed it over the hill..... Tonight I checked her and AGAIN there was a dead preborn chick pushed out,, this time it was outside the egg. Do broody hens pick at their own eggs if there is movement in them?? They should hatch Friday,, but at this rate non will survive. Any one heard of this?? I have had many successes with broody hens but this situation baffles me. Thank You

 

[ayamEC]

I’m not sure what’s going on. Good luck.

 

[lazy gardener]

Broodiness and parenting skills are mostly instinctive. Since the hatchery industry has taken over, broodiness is being bred out of chickens. So, some hens may go broody, but not quite get the rest of the necessary behaviors wired into their system. It sounds like you have such a hen on your hands. I would be inclined to see to it that she is never allowed to set eggs again. Depending on your husbandry style, you could keep her as a layer, or put her on your short cull list.

 

[ShouldabeenaVET]

absolutely!! I just was so surprised. I have had them just get up and walk away after days and days of setting. She seems so dedicated but I will cull her after this. I just have never seen this behavior. I am stunned. I have hatched several clutches with success but not sure about this gal. Thank you for your time.